City and USDA Wildlife Services work to disperse large crow roost

Rochester, New York – The City is set to continue its wildlife management efforts today, working alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services Program to disperse a large winter roost of crows. The follow-up operation comes after a similar effort in December, which targeted an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 birds congregating in the Downtown area.

Non-Harmful Methods to Be Used

To break up the massive roost, wildlife biologists will employ several techniques designed to disturb the crows without harming them. These methods include pyrotechnics, spotlights, lasers, and electronic recordings of crow distress calls. By using these tools, officials hope to disrupt the birds’ settling patterns and encourage them to scatter into smaller groups across a broader area.

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Management efforts will begin at dusk on Thursday, March 6, and will continue through the night. Additional follow-up measures may be taken to prevent the crows from re-establishing their roost in the same location.

Reducing Damage and Public Disruption

The presence of such a large number of crows in the Downtown area has led to concerns about damage and mess caused by the birds. High concentrations of crows can result in excessive droppings, noise, and potential disruptions to businesses and public spaces. Officials hope that by dispersing the roost, they can minimize these issues and create a more manageable environment for both residents and businesses.

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City and Wildlife Services representatives acknowledge that some of the dispersal techniques, such as loud noises from pyrotechnics and distress calls, may be disruptive. They ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as crews work to manage the situation.

How Residents Can Help

The City is also encouraging residents to assist in the effort by reporting large groups of crows. Anyone who notices significant crow activity can call 311 (or 428-5990 for those outside city limits) to provide location details. These reports will help officials monitor the birds’ movements and adjust their strategies accordingly.

With continued efforts, officials hope to keep the crow population under control while ensuring a balanced approach that protects both the community and local wildlife.